The First Lady and a powerful senator in her own right, Cristina Fernàndez de Kirchner could be Argentina's next President

Argentina's First Lady, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, has launched her campaign to become the country's first elected woman president.

Viewed from washington, Latin American politics can sometimes seem like a throwback to an earlier age, as if the U.S. were watching a meeting of a Che Guevara fan club. Leftist, anti-Yanqui sentiments, thought to have faded with the 20th century, have made a comeback, embodied by leaders like Venezuela's radical Hugo Chàvez, Brazil's former union boss Luiz Inàcio Lula da Silva and Bolivia's socialist Evo Morales. Never mind coming to terms with these leaders--the U.S. finds it hard even to talk with them. An interpreter would be useful.

Cristina Fernàndez de Kirchner has the qualifications for the job. She is...